About the Proposed Dog Park
MayDOG is working with town officials to create a new multi-use recreation area, including a designated off-leash recreation area (OLRA). The site we have identified as a potential location is a former landfill on Waltham Street.
Here is a map of the proposed site of the OLRA. The photos shown on this page were taken in October 2008. Click on the slideshow to go to our photo album.
Folks have been talking about the idea of a dog park in Maynard for a number of years. Maynard’s 2004 Open Space & Recreation plan and the 2007 Community Preservation Plan listed the establishment of a dog park as a goal and also suggested that the landfill be repurposed for recreation (possibly including a dog run). What has been lacking is a community group to spearhead the effort. That’s where MayDOG comes in!
The former Waltham Street landfill is a 13-acre site owned by the town of Maynard. The landfill was closed in 1985 and capped in 1988. The walkable circumference of the site is approximately half a mile. It is bordered by woods and has a slight elevation covered by tall grasses and wildflowers.
MayDOG’s vision for a park includes fencing a portion of the site in two areas–one for smaller/timid dogs and one for larger dogs. At a minimum, the site will need a fence, a parking area, trash receptacles, and bag stations. Other amenities on our wish list include benches, a shade structure/kiosk where donors can be recognized, a water source for people and dogs, and night-time lighting.
In the larger area, the intent is to also create a walking/cross-country trail around the perimeter and possibly other amenities. The area could be used for cross-country skiing and sledding in the winter. We hope it will become a multi-use, popular destination for dog owners and non-dog owners alike.
Recently, there has been concern that the landfill is emitting too much methane and CO2, so the town has installed vent pipes and conducted testing. As of June 2008, the Maynard Board of Health had determined that there were no problems. We are in discussions with the Board of Health to confirm that the land can be used in this manner.
Click on the play button below to view a short video showing part of the space.
